HOW FAST DO YOU FALL WHEN SKYDIVING?
Another common question our instructors get ask before people take their first jump is: how fast do you fall when skydiving?
During freefall, most skydivers reach a speed known as terminal velocity, which is the fastest speed a human body falls through the air. For a typical tandem skydive, that speed is about 120–125 mph.
A full skydive usually lasts five to six minutes from aircraft exit to landing. Around 50 seconds is spent in freefall, followed by four to five minutes flying under the parachute.
While the numbers may sound small, the experience feels much longer. With the rush of wind, the incredible views, and the pure adrenaline of freefall, every second is unforgettable.
Several factors influence skydiving speed and fall time, including altitude, body position, weight, and equipment.
How Long Does Freefall Last When Skydiving?
Freefall is the part of the skydive where you are falling through the sky before the parachute opens.
For most tandem skydives, freefall lasts about 50 seconds.
Tandem skydivers usually exit the aircraft at around 13,500 feet and deploy the parachute at approximately 5,000 feet. Skydivers often estimate freefall time using a simple rule:
– 10 seconds for the first 1,000 feet
– About 5 seconds for every 1,000 feet after that
Using that calculation, a tandem skydive from 13,500 feet results in roughly 50 seconds of freefall.
Solo skydivers may experience slightly different freefall times depending on their body position and fall rate. For example, experienced skydivers flying in faster positions may experience 35–40 seconds of freefall from the same altitude.
How Long Is the Parachute Ride After Freefall?
After about 50 seconds of freefall, the parachute opens and the experience shifts from adrenaline to peaceful flight.
Tandem skydivers typically spend four to five minutes flying under the parachute before landing.
Tandem parachutes are large — usually over 300 square feet — because they must safely carry two people. These larger parachutes descend more slowly, allowing for a smooth and scenic ride back to the landing area.
Experienced solo skydivers usually fly smaller parachutes, which descend faster. As a result, they typically spend two to three minutes under canopy.
Skydivers can also control their descent speed by turning the parachute.
Ready to Experience Freefall for Yourself?
A skydive may only last a few minutes, but it’s an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life!
Book your skydive online today, or contact our team if you have any questions about skydiving speeds, freefall time, or what to expect on your first jump.
Add a video and photo package so you can relive the moment again and again — and share it with friends and family!
